NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad – Ultralight Comfort for Camping & Backpacking

I just got back from a trip and at night it was around 15 degrees F. This pad kept me warm, and I didn't feel any cold air coming up from under it or through it. My boyfriend was using a different pad and there was such a big difference with the temperatures of our pads (he actually purchased this pad as soon as we got home). I will be purchasing a blow up pad to use in addition to this one because I could still feel the ground under me. Other than that it did its job and I would recommend if you are camping somewhere with colder temperatures.

Our family of four tends to do drive-up tent camping. So, we were looking for affordable sleeping pads that would keep us warm from the cold ground, fold up fairly compact (for storage and trunk space), and didn't need to be inflated/deflated. These fit the bill for what we need. They work great at keeping your sleeping bag dry and cozy. We did all sleep like babies on these - so they are good. However, they are thin, so while they're comfy enough, you can still feel the hard, sometimes rocky, ground underneath you. We think for our next trip we might lie these down, then put a mattress topper over for a slightly more comfortable sleep.

Super light and comfy for lounging at camp. At first it was a toss-up between the Nemo and the Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite Sol. I'm 6'2, 195 and a side sleeper. The Nemo is almost a .25" thicker than the Therm-a-Rest, and it's offered in 2 sizes: with the smaller, lighter size at $10 cheaper. Done! This was originally purchased to be an addition to my Big Agnes AXL Air for increased thermal retention as well as much needed protection for the AXL on rough ground. I chose the Small @ 51" long due to weight (4oz lighter) and less bulky when folded (1" thinner, and 5" shallower). I reasoned that my head is already off the ground on my makeshift pillow so I could shift the pad down to my lower neck/shoulders and I could put my day's hiking clothes under the last 20" of air pad from mid-calf to heels for warmth and air pad protection (if needed) thus shaving the weight and bulk of the "regular" Nemo. And technically this has worked pretty well. But where I really found this to shine was 2 specific needs: 1 - Dry sit/kneel space: During the day resting for lunch along the trail and lounging in camp. Since it's external to the backpack it's easy to un-clip and unfold for sitting, and if lunch turns in to a mid-day siesta - so be it! Especially great when the ground is wet from dew or outright rain; providing a non-mud soaked, dry perch on ground/rock/log or wooden bench. 2 - Non-slip sleeping: The Nemo pad is great for keeping the AXL Air from sliding on the slick nylon tent floor or Poly-cro ground sheet (in cases of meadow crashing sans a tent). It's not a perfect adhesion, but since I sleep like a mobile home in a tornado, it's better than nothing. (Bonus) - I also like that it floats. Which was not an original consideration, but I've found useful when there's an opportunity to swim and you just want to be lazy - or for youth, where you would need a safety float. I bind mine near the ends with 2 thin velcro straps to keep it folded when NOT strapped to my pack for sitting or swimming and they keep the folds from catching branches when hiking since my pack straps where it's stashed are kind of central to the pack body and this pad is the width of the pack.

I needed a mat that would not be punctured by my greyhound's claws, as she requires a sleeping mat for packpacking (or she pushes me off of mine). This mat has become a best buy, because I can strap it on the the bottom of my pack and Sweet Pea is able to relax on breaks and sleep at night so much easier.

I just used this pad the last few days on a section of the Continental Divide Trail. It was a definite improvement from my well worn old thermarest. The temperatures dropped to the 30s (though it was hard to tell exactly) and I was toasty. I also camped in a spot with a lot of rocks under me and didn't feel a thing. I was debating between this and the popular thermarest z-lite (which a few friends have and have told me that's its a great pad). I decided to go with this pad because I read it has a little more cushion and the ridges are larger. I'll have to see how it stands up to more use, but for now I'm pretty happy with it!

Just used this pad in 39 degree weather and at first I had it and a Sea to Summit Comfort Light inflatable on top. The Sea to Summit was too crinkly for me so I pushed it off and laid on this alone. It did not have enough cushion for my tired girl hips, but it was warmer than with the comfort light on top! We were on stiff, rocky ground full of thorny twigs underneath so it may do better by itself in other terrain. My buddy had one too and was very glad she didn't have to lay her inflatable directly on the bottom of the tent. I am excited to try it on my hammock as well, and of course, it makes a great camp seat (especially folded up) and windscreen. I am very happy with the pad.

I purchase this pad as a lightweight and affordable option to an inflatable sleeping pad. I am 6'1" and 175lbs and I fit on this pad perfectly fine with a 30° mummy bag. This foam pad is a lot more comfortable than its competitors, but not nearly as comfortable as an inflatable pad. I would recommend this product for those who want a light and affordable option and needs 2-3 season insulation. the only drawback I have with these types of pads are that: they have to be lashed outside of the backpack, and most packs have a horizontal flashing point, making it quite cumbersome and making it possible to get the pad caught in some thick brush.

I took this pad out on a beach hike in Olympic National Park near the rainforest. It was cold, wet and foggy. The ground I slept on was sandstone or wet sand with roots showing through. Because it was much bulkier than the inflatable I usually use I packed it on the outside of my pack but under the brain. It misted frequently so the pad got wet, but it shook right off before I put it in the tent. It was comfortable on all the surfaces and despite the temperatures getting in the mid 30’s I never felt the cold ground, not even when it was wet. I slept like a baby on it and have no complaints.